Determinants of the substrate specificity of multidrug resistance protein 1: role of amino acid residues with hydrogen bonding potential in predicted transmembrane helix 17

Human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) confers resistance to many natural product chemotherapeutic agents and actively transports structurally diverse organic anion conjugates. We previously demonstrated that two hydrogen-bonding amino acid residues in the predicted transmembrane 17 (TM17) of MRP1, Thr(1242) and Trp(1246), were important for drug resistance and 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG) transport. To determine whether other residues with hydrogen bonding potential within TM17 influence substrate specificity, we replaced Ser(1233), Ser(1235), Ser(1237), Gln(1239), Thr(1241), and Asn(1245) with Ala and Tyr(1236) and Tyr(1243) with Phe. Mutations S1233A, S1235A, S1237A, and Q1239A had no effect on any substrate tested. In contrast, mutations Y1236F and T1241A decreased resistance to vincristine but not to VP-16, doxorubicin, and epirubicin. Mutation Y1243F reduced resistance to all drugs tested by 2-3-fold. Replacement of Asn(1245) with Ala also decreased resistance to VP-16, doxorubicin, and epirubicin but increased resistance to vincristine. This mutation also decreased E(2)17betaG transport approximately 5-fold. Only mutation Y1243F altered the ability of MRP1 to transport both leukotriene 4 and E(2)17betaG. Together with our previous results, these findings suggest that residues with side chain hydrogen bonding potential, clustered in the cytoplasmic half of TM17, participate in the formation of a substrate binding site.     

Identification of a nonconserved amino acid residue in multidrug resistance protein 1 important for determining substrate specificity: evidence for functional interaction between transmembrane helices 14 and 17.

Murine multidrug resistance protein 1 (mrp1), differs from its human ortholog (MRP1) in that it fails to confer anthracycline resistance and transports the MRP1 substrate, 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG), very poorly. By mutating variant residues in mrp1 to those present in MRP1, we identified Glu(1089) of MRP1 as being critical for anthracycline resistance. However, Glu(1089) mutations had no effect on E(2)17betaG transport. We have now identified a nonconserved amino acid within the highly conserved COOH-proximal transmembrane helix of MRP1/mrp1 that is important for transport of the conjugated estrogen. Converting Ala(1239) in mrp1 to Thr, as in the corresponding position (1242) in MRP1, increased E(2)17betaG transport 3-fold. Any mutation of mrp1 Ala(1239), including substitution with Thr, decreased resistance to vincristine and VP-16 without altering anthracycline resistance. However, introduction of a second murine to human mutation, Q1086E, which alone selectively increases anthracycline resistance, into mrp1A1239T restored resistance to both vincristine and VP-16. To confirm the importance of MRP1 Thr(1242) for E(2)17betaG transport and drug resistance, we mutated this residue to Ala, Cys, Ser, Leu, and Lys. These mutations decreased E(2)17betaG transport 2-fold. Conversion to Asp eliminated transport of the estrogen conjugate and also decreased leukotriene C(4) transport approximately 2-fold. The mutations also reduced the ability of MRP1 to confer resistance to all drugs tested. As with mrp1, introduction of a second mutation based on the murine sequence to create MRP1E1089Q/T1242A restored resistance to vincristine and VP-16, but not anthracyclines, without affecting transport of leukotriene C(4) and E(2)17betaG. These results demonstrate the important role of Thr(1242) for E(2)17betaG transport. They also reveal a highly specific functional relationship between nonconserved amino acids in TM helices 14 and 17 of both mrp1 and MRP1 that enables both proteins to confer similar levels of resistance to vincristine and VP-16.     

Identification of proline residues in the core cytoplasmic and transmembrane regions of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) important for transport function, substrate specificity, and nucleotide interactions

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that confers resistance to drugs and mediates the transport of organic anions. MRP1 has a core structure of two membrane spanning domains (MSDs) each followed by a nucleotide binding domain. This core structure is preceded by a third MSD with five transmembrane (TM) helices, whereas MSD2 and MSD3 each contain six TM helices. We investigated the consequences of Ala substitution of 18 Pro residues in both the non-membrane and TM regions of MSD2 and MSD3 on MRP1 expression and organic anion transport function. All MRP1-Pro mutants except P1113A were expressed in human embryonic kidney cells at levels comparable with wild-type MRP1. In addition, five mutants containing substitutions of Pro residues in or proximal to the TM helices of MSD2 (TM6-Pro(343), TM8-Pro(448), TM10-Pro(557), and TM11-Pro(595)) and MSD3 (TM14-Pro(1088)) exhibited significantly reduced transport of five organic anion substrates. In contrast, mutation of Pro(1150) in the cytoplasmic loop (CL7) linking TM15 to TM16 caused a substantial increase in 17beta-estradiol-17-beta-(D-glucuronide) and methotrexate transport, whereas transport of other organic anions was reduced or unchanged. Significant substrate-specific changes in the ATP dependence of transport and binding by the P1150A mutant were also observed. Our findings demonstrate the importance of TM6, TM8, TM10, TM11, and TM14 in MRP1 transport function and suggest that CL7 may play a differential role in coupling the activity of the nucleotide binding domains to the translocation of different substrates across the membrane.     

Transmembrane helix 11 of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1): identification of polar amino acids important for substrate specificity and binding of ATP at nucleotide binding domain 1

Human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is an ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter that confers resistance to many natural product chemotherapeutic agents and can transport structurally diverse conjugated organic anions. MRP1 has three polytopic transmembrane domains (TMDs) and a total of 17 TM helices. Photolabeling and mutagenesis studies of MRP1 indicate that TM11, the last helix in the second TMD, may form part of the protein's substrate binding pocket. We have demonstrated that certain polar residues within a number of TM helices, including Arg(593) in TM11, are determinants of MRP1 substrate specificity or overall activity. We have now extended these analyses to assess the functional consequences of mutating the remaining seven polar residues within and near TM11. Mutations Q580A, T581A, and S585A in the predicted outer leaflet region of the helix had no detectable effect on function, while mutation of three residues close to the membrane/cytoplasm interface altered substrate specificity. Two of these mutations affected only drug resistance. N597A increased and decreased resistance to vincristine and VP-16, respectively, while S605A decreased resistance to vincristine, VP-16 and doxorubicin. The third, S604A, selectively increased 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG) transport. In contrast, elimination of the polar character of the residue at position 590 (Asn in the wild-type protein) uniformly impaired the ability of MRP1 to transport potential physiological substrates and to confer resistance to three different classes of natural product drugs. Kinetic and photolabeling studies revealed that mutation N590A not only decreased the affinity of MRP1 for cysteinyl leukotriene 4 (LTC(4)) but also substantially reduced the binding of ATP to nucleotide binding domain 1 (NBD1). Thus, polar interactions involving residues in TM11 influence not only the substrate specificity of MRP1 but also an early step in the proposed catalytic cycle of the protein.     

Multiple membrane-associated tryptophan residues contribute to the transport activity and substrate specificity of the human multidrug resistance protein,MRP1

The multidrug resistance protein, MRP1, is a clinically important ATP-binding cassette transporter in which the three membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), which contain up to 17 transmembrane (TM) helices, and two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) are configured MSD1-MSD2-NBD1-MSD3-NBD2. In tumor cells, MRP1 confers resistance to a broad spectrum of drugs, but in normal cells, it functions as a primary active transporter of organic anions such as leukotriene C(4) and 17beta-estradiol 17beta-(D-glucuronide). We have previously shown that mutation of TM17-Trp(1246) eliminates 17beta-estradiol 17beta-(D-glucuronide) transport and drug resistance conferred by MRP1 while leaving leukotriene C(4) transport intact. By mutating the 11 remaining Trp residues that are in predicted TM segments of MRP1, we have now determined that five of them are also major determinants of MRP1 function. Ala substitution of three of these residues, Trp(445) (TM8), Trp(553) (TM10), and Trp(1198) (TM16), eliminated or substantially reduced transport levels of five organic anion substrates of MRP1. In contrast, Ala substitutions of Trp(361) (TM7) and Trp(459) (TM9) caused a more moderate and substrate-selective reduction in MRP1 function. More conservative substitutions (Tyr and Phe) of the Trp(445), Trp(553), and Trp(1198) mutants resulted in substrate selective retention of transport in some cases (Trp(445) and Trp(1198)) but not others (Trp(553)). Our findings suggest that the bulky polar aromatic indole side chain of each of these five Trp residues contributes significantly to the transport activity and substrate specificity of MRP1.     

Functional importance of polar and charged amino acid residues in transmembrane helix 14 of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1): identification of an aspartate residue critical for conversion from a high to low affinity substrate binding state

Human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) confers resistance to many chemotherapeutic agents and transports diverse conjugated organic anions. We previously demonstrated that Glu1089 in transmembrane (TM) 14 is critical for the protein to confer anthracycline resistance. We have now assessed the functional importance of all polar and charged amino acids in this TM helix. Asn1100, Ser1097, and Lys1092, which are all predicted to be on the same face of the helix as to Glu1089, are involved in determining the substrate specificity of the protein. Notably, elimination of the positively charged side chain of Lys1092, increased resistance to the cationic drugs vincristine and doxorubicin, but not the electroneutral drug etoposide (VP-16). In addition, mutations S1097A and N1100A selectively decreased transport of 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E217betaG) but not cysteinyl leukotriene 4 (LTC4), demonstrating the importance of multiple residues in this helix in determining substrate specificity. In contrast, mutations of Asp1084 that eliminate the carboxylate side chain markedly decreased resistance to all drugs tested, as well as transport of both E217betaG and LTC4, despite the fact that LTC4 binding was unaffected. We show that these mutations prevent the ATP-dependent transition of the protein from a high to low affinity substrate binding state and drastically diminish ADP trapping at nucleotide binding domain 2. Based on results presented here and crystal structures of prokaryotic ATP binding cassette transporters, Asp1084 may be critical for interaction between the cytoplasmic loop connecting TM13 and TM14 and a region of nucleotide binding domain 2 between the conserved Walker A and ABC signature motifs.     

Identification of basic residues involved in drug export function of human multidrug resistance-associated protein 2

Multidrurg resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2)/canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT) is involved in the ATP-dependent export of organic anions across the bile canalicular membrane. To identify functional amino acid residues that play essential roles in the substrate transport, each of 13 basic residues around transmembrane regions (TMs) 6-17 were replaced with alanine. Wild type and mutant proteins were expressed in COS-7 cells, and the transport activity was measured as the excretion of glutathione-methylfluorescein. Four mutants, K324A (TM6), K483A (TM9), R1210A (TM16), and R1257A (TM17), showed decreased transport activity, and another mutant, K578A (TM11), showed decreased protein expression. These five mutants were normally delivered to the cell surface similar to the other fully active mutants and wild type MRP2. The importance of TM6, TM16, and TM17 in the transport function of MRP2 is consistent with the previous observation indicating the importance of the corresponding TM1, TM11, and TM12 on P-glycoprotein (Loo, T. W., and Clarke, D. M. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 35388-35392). Another observation that MRP2 inhibitor, cyclosporine A, failed to inhibit R1230A specifically, indicated the existence of its binding site within TM16.     

Mutational analysis of ionizable residues proximal to the cytoplasmic interface of membrane spanning domain 3 of the multidrug resistance protein, MRP1 (ABCC1): glutamate 1204 is important for both the expression and catalytic activity of the transporter

The multidrug resistance protein MRP1 is an ATP-dependent transporter of organic anions and chemotherapeutic agents. A significant number of ionizable amino acids are found in or proximal to the 17 transmembrane (TM) helices of MRP1, and we have investigated 6 of these at the cytoplasmic interface of TM13-17 for their role in MRP1 expression and transport activity. Opposite charge substitutions of TM13 Arg(1046) and TM15 Arg(1131) did not alter MRP1 expression nor did they substantially affect activity. In contrast, opposite charge substitutions of TM16 Arg(1202) and Glu(1204) reduced protein expression by >80%; however, MRP1 expression was not affected when Arg(1202) and Glu(1204) were replaced with neutral or same-charge residues. In addition, organic anion transport levels of the R1202L, R1202G, and R1202K mutants were comparable with wild-type MRP1. In contrast, organic anion transport by E1204L was substantially reduced, whereas transport by E1204D was comparable with wild-type MRP1, with the notable exception of GSH. Opposite charge substitutions of TM16 Arg(1197) and TM17 Arg(1249) did not affect MRP1 expression but substantially reduced transport. Mutants containing like-charge substitutions of Arg(1197) or Arg(1249) were also transport-inactive and no longer bound leukotriene C(4). In contrast, substrate binding by the transport-compromised E1204L mutant remained intact. Furthermore, vanadate-induced trapping of azido-ADP by E1204L was dramatically increased, indicating that this mutation may cause a partial uncoupling of the catalytic and transport activities of MRP1. Thus, Glu(1204) serves a dual role in membrane expression of MRP1 and a step in its catalytic cycle subsequent to initial substrate binding.     

Charged amino acids in the sixth transmembrane helix of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) are critical determinants of transport activity

The multidrug resistance protein, MRP1 (ABCC1), is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that confers resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. MRP1 also mediates transport of organic anions such as leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)), 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG), estrone 3-sulfate, methotrexate (MTX), and GSH. We replaced three charged amino acids, Lys(332), His(335), and Asp(336), predicted to be in the sixth transmembrane (TM6) helix of MRP1 with neutral and oppositely charged amino acids and determined the effect on substrate specificity and transport activity. All mutants were expressed in transfected human embryonic kidney cells at levels comparable with wild-type MRP1, and confocal microscopy showed that they were correctly routed to the plasma membrane. Vesicular transport studies revealed that the MRP1-Lys(332) mutants had lost the ability to transport LTC(4), and GSH transport was reduced; whereas E(2)17betaG, estrone 3-sulfate, and MTX transport were unaffected. E(2)17betaG transport was not inhibited by LTC(4) and could not be photolabeled with [(3)H]LTC(4), indicating that the MRP1-Lys(332) mutants no longer bound this substrate. Substitutions of MRP1-His(335) also selectively diminished LTC(4) transport and photolabeling but to a lesser extent. Kinetic analyses showed that V(max) (LTC(4)) of these mutants was decreased but K(m) was unchanged. In contrast to the selective loss of LTC(4) transport in the Lys(332) and His(335) mutants, the MRP1-Asp(336) mutants no longer transported LTC(4), E(2)17betaG, estrone 3-sulfate, or GSH, and transport of MTX was reduced by >50%. Lys(332), His(335), and Asp(336) of TM6 are predicted to be in the outer leaflet of the membrane and are all capable of forming intrahelical and interhelical ion pairs and hydrogen bonds. The importance of Lys(332) and His(335) in determining substrate specificity and of Asp(336) in overall transport activity suggests that such interactions are critical for the binding and transport of LTC(4) and other substrates of MRP1.     

Transport of cyclic nucleotides and estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide by multidrug resistance protein 4. Resistance to 6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine.

Human multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) has recently been determined to confer resistance to the antiviral purine analog 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine and methotrexate. However, neither its substrate selectivity nor physiological functions have been determined. Here we report the results of investigations of the in vitro transport properties of MRP4 using membrane vesicles prepared from insect cells infected with MRP4 baculovirus. It is shown that expression of MRP4 is specifically associated with the MgATP-dependent transport of cGMP, cAMP, and estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide (E(2)17 beta G). cGMP, cAMP, and E(2)17 beta G are transported with K(m) and V(max) values of 9.7 +/- 2.3 microm and 2.0 +/- 0.3 pmol/mg/min, 44.5 +/- 5.8 microm and 4.1 +/- 0.4 pmol/mg/min, and 30.3 +/- 6.2 microm and 102 +/- 16 pmol/mg/min, respectively. Consistent with its ability to transport cyclic nucleotides, it is demonstrated that the MRP4 drug resistance profile extends to 6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine, two anticancer purine analogs that are converted in the cell to nucleotide analogs. On the basis of its capacity to transport cyclic nucleotides and E(2)17 beta G, it is concluded that MRP4 may influence diverse cellular processes regulated by cAMP and cGMP and that its substrate range is distinct from that of any other characterized MRP family member.     

Substitution of Trp1242 of TM17 alters substrate specificity of human multidrug resistance protein 3

Multidrug resistance protein 3 (MRP3) is an ATP-dependent transporter of 17beta-estradiol 17beta(d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG), leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)), methotrexate, and the bile salts taurocholate and glycocholate. In the present study, the role of a highly conserved Trp residue at position 1242 on MRP3 transport function was examined by expressing wild-type MRP3 and Ala-, Cys-, Phe-, Tyr-, and Pro-substituted mutants in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. Four MRP3-Trp(1242) mutants showed significantly increased E(2)17betaG uptake, whereas transport by the Pro mutant was undetectable. Similarly, the Pro mutant did not transport LTC(4). By comparison, LTC(4) transport by the Ala, Cys, Phe, and Tyr mutants was reduced by approximately 35%. The Ala, Cys, Phe, and Tyr mutants all showed greatly reduced methotrexate and leucovorin transport, except the Tyr mutant, which transported leucovorin at levels comparable with wild-type MRP3. In contrast, the MRP3-Trp(1242) substitutions did not significantly affect taurocholate transport or taurocholate and glycocholate inhibition of E(2)17betaG uptake. Thus Trp(1242) substitutions markedly alter the substrate specificity of MRP3 but leave bile salt binding and transport intact.     

Functional and structural consequences of cysteine substitutions in the NH2 proximal region of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1)

The 190 kDa multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1; ABCC1) is comprised of three membrane spanning domains (MSDs) and two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) configured MSD1-MSD2-NBD1-MSD3-NBD2. MRP1 overexpression in tumor cells results in an ATP-dependent efflux of many oncolytic agents and arsenic and antimony oxyanions. MRP1 also transports GSSG and GSH as well as conjugated organic anions, including leukotriene C(4) and 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-D-glucuronide) and certain xenobiotics in association with GSH. Previous studies have shown that portions of MSD1 and the cytoplasmic loop (CL3) connecting it to MSD2 are important for MRP1 transport function. In the present study, Cys residues at positions 43, 49, 85, 148, and 190 in MSD1 and positions 208 and 265 in CL3 were mutated to Ala and Ser, and the effects on protein expression, plasma membrane localization, trypsin sensitivity, organic anion transport, and drug resistance properties were investigated. Confocal microscopy showed that 11 of 14 mutants displayed significant levels of nonplasma membrane-associated MRP1. Most mutant proteins were also more resistant to trypsin proteolysis than wild-type MRP1. All Cys mutants transported organic anions (0.5-1.5-fold wild-type MRP1 activity), and cells expressing Ser-substituted but not Ala-substituted Cys43 and Cys265 MRP1 mutants exhibited a 2.5-fold decrease and a 3-fold increase in arsenite resistance, respectively; Cys43Ser MRP1 also conferred lower levels of vincristine resistance. These results indicate that certain Cys residues in the NH(2) proximal region of MRP1 can be important for its structure and selected transport activities.     

Transcellular transport of organic anions across a double-transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney II cell monolayer expressing both human organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP2/SLC21A6) and Multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2).

Human organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (OATP2/SLC21A6) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2) play important roles in the vectorial transport of organic anions across hepatocytes. In the present study, we have established a double-transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK II) cell monolayer, which expresses both OATP2 and MRP2 on basal and apical membranes, respectively. The basal-to-apical transport of 17 beta estradiol 17 beta-d-glucuronide (E(2)17 beta G), pravastatin, and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)), which are substrates of OATP2 and MRP2, was significantly higher than that in the opposite direction in the double-transfected cells. Such vectorial transport was also observed for taurolithocholate sulfate, which is transported by rat oatp1 and Mrp2. The K(m) values of E(2)17 beta G and pravastatin for the basal-to-apical flux were 27.9 and 24.3 microm, respectively, which were comparable with those reported for OATP2. Moreover, the MRP2-mediated export of E(2)17 beta G across the apical membrane was not saturated. In contrast, basal-to-apical transport of estrone-3-sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, which are significantly transported by OATP2, but not by MRP2, was not stimulated by MRP2 expression. The double-transfected MDCK II monolayer expressing both OATP2 and MRP2 may be used to analyze the hepatic vectorial transport of organic anions and to screen the transport profiles of new drug candidates.     

Mutation of a single conserved tryptophan in multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) results in loss of drug resistance and selective loss of organic anion transport

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) belongs to the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily and is capable of conferring resistance to a broad range of chemotherapeutic agents and transporting structurally diverse conjugated organic anions. In this study, we found that substitution of a highly conserved tryptophan at position 1246 with cysteine (W1246C-MRP1) in the putative last transmembrane segment (TM17) of MRP1 eliminated 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG) transport by membrane vesicles prepared from transiently transfected human embryonic kidney cells while leaving the capacity for leukotriene C(4)- and verapamil-stimulated glutathione transport intact. In addition, in contrast to wild-type MRP1, leukotriene C(4) transport by the W1246C-MRP1 protein was no longer inhibitable by E(2)17betaG, indicating that the mutant protein had lost the ability to bind the glucuronide. A similar phenotype was observed when Trp(1246) was replaced with Ala, Phe, and Tyr. Confocal microscopy of cells expressing Trp(1246) mutant MRP1 molecules fused at the C terminus with green fluorescent protein showed that they were correctly routed to the plasma membrane. In addition to the loss of E(2)17betaG transport, HeLa cells stably transfected with W1246C-MRP1 cDNA were not resistant to the Vinca alkaloid vincristine and accumulated levels of [(3)H]vincristine comparable to those in vector control-transfected cells. Cells expressing W1246C-MRP1 were also not resistant to cationic anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin) or the electroneutral epipodophyllotoxin VP-16. In contrast, resistance to sodium arsenite was only partially diminished, and resistance to potassium antimony tartrate remained comparable to that of cells expressing wild-type MRP1. This suggests that the structural determinants required for transport of heavy metal oxyanions differ from those for chemotherapeutic agents. Our results provide the first example of a tryptophan residue being so critically important for substrate specificity in a eukaryotic ATP-binding cassette transporter.     

Mutation of Trp1254 in the multispecific organic anion transporter, multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) (ABCC2), alters substrate specificity and results in loss of methotrexate transport activity

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins comprise a large superfamily of transmembrane transporters that utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to translocate their substrates across biological membranes. Multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 2 (ABCC2) belongs to subfamily C of the ABC superfamily and, when overexpressed in tumor cells, confers resistance to a wide variety of anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. MRP2 is also an active transporter of organic anions such as methotrexate (MTX), estradiol glucuronide (E217betaG), and leukotriene C4 and is located on the apical membrane of polarized cells including hepatocytes where it acts as a biliary transporter. We recently identified a highly conserved tryptophan residue in the related MRP1 that is critical for the substrate specificity of this protein. In the present study, we have examined the effect of replacing the analogous tryptophan residue at position 1254 of MRP2. We found that only nonconservative substitutions (Ala and Cys) of Trp1254 eliminated [3H]E217betaG transport by MRP2, whereas more conservative substitutions (Phe and Tyr) had no effect. In addition, only the most conservatively substituted mutant (W1254Y) transported [3H]leukotriene C4, whereas all other substitutions eliminated transport of this substrate. On the other hand, all substitutions of Trp1254 eliminated transport of [3H]MTX. Finally, we found that sulfinpyrazone stimulated [3H]E217betaG transport by wild-type MRP2 4-fold, whereas transport by the Trp1254 substituted mutants was enhanced 6-10-fold. In contrast, sulfinpyrazone failed to stimulate [3H]MTX transport by either wild-type MRP2 or the MRP2-Trp1254 mutants. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Trp1254 plays an important role in the ability of MRP2 to transport conjugated organic anions and identify this amino acid in the putative last transmembrane segment (TM17) of this ABC protein as being critical for transport of MTX.     

A positively charged amino acid proximal to the C-terminus of TM17 of MRP1 is indispensable for GSH-dependent binding of substrates and for transport of LTC4

MRP1 is a 190 kDa membrane glycoprotein that confers multidrug resistance (MDR) to tumor cells. Our recent study demonstrated that GSH is required for the labeling of MRP1(932)(-)(1531) with a photoanalogue of agosterol A (AG-A) and suggested that GSH interacts with the L(0) region of MRP1. In this study, we further characterized the GSH-dependent binding site of azido AG-A on MRP1. Coexpression of the N- and C-terminal halves of MRP1 (residues 1-1222, TM1-16, and 1223-1531, TM17, respectively) in Sf21 insect cells reconstituted a functional drug transporter with a K(m) for LTC(4) (97 nM) similar to that of intact MRP1. In membrane vesicles from those cells, GSH-dependent photolabeling of the MRP1 fragment (1-1222) required the coexpression of the C-terminal MRP1 fragment (1223-1531). An MRP1 fragment extending from residue 1 to 1295 however could be photolabeled by azido AG-A in a GSH-dependent manner. These data indicate that amino acids 1223-1295 of MRP1 are required for AG-A binding to MRP1 in a GSH-dependent manner. However, cross-linking of the photolabel to MRP1 occurs at a more upstream site. An arginine residue at position 1249 of MRP1 was shown to be important for the GSH-dependent binding of AG-A to MRP1. Mutation of this arginine to alanine (R1249A) resulted in a decreased level of GSH-dependent azido AG-A photolabeling of MRP1. Furthermore, this mutant attenuated MRP1 function by decreasing the level of LTC(4) substrate transport and impairing resistance to the drug vincristine (VCR). In summary, this study demonstrates that a region of MRP1 (amino acids 1223-1295), which includes TM helix 17, is required for azido AG-A binding to MRP1 in a GSH-dependent manner. A GSH-dependent drug binding site may exist in this region. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the charged amino acid Arg(1249) proximal to the C-terminus of TM helix 17 is indispensable for MRP1-substrate interaction and the function of MRP1.     

Characterization of drug transport by the human multidrug resistance protein 3 (ABCC3)

We have characterized the substrate specificity and mechanism of transport of the human multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3). A murine fibroblast-like cell line generated from the kidneys of mice that lack Mdr1a/b and Mrp1 was retrovirally transduced with MRP3 cDNA. Stable clones overproducing MRP3 were resistant to the epipodophyllotoxins etoposide and teniposide but not to vincristine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin, drugs suggested to be MRP3 substrates by others. The resistance to etoposide was associated with reduced cellular accumulation and enhanced efflux of this drug and was not affected by depleting cells of glutathione but was inhibited by several common organic anion transport inhibitors. Membrane vesicles from infected insect cells expressing MRP3 mediated ATP-dependent transport of estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide, leukotriene C(4), dinitrophenyl S-glutathione but not glutathione itself, and etoposide glucuronide, a major metabolite of etoposide in vivo. The transport of estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide by MRP3 was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by both etoposide and methotrexate. Even though etoposide glucuronide is an excellent substrate for MRP3, this compound is not involved in the etoposide resistance of our MRP3 cells, as these cells extrude unmodified etoposide rather than etoposide glucuronide.     

The predicted transmembrane fragment 17 of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) behaves as an interfacial helix in membrane mimics

The human multidrug resistance protein MRP1 (or ABCC1) is one of the most important members of the large ABC transporter family, in terms of both its biological (tissue defense) and pharmacological functions. Many studies have investigated the function of MRP1, but structural data remain scarce for this protein. We investigated the structure and dynamics of predicted transmembrane fragment 17 (TM17, from Ala(1227) to Ser(1251)), which contains a single Trp residue (W(1246)) involved in MRP1 substrate specificity and transport function. We synthesized TM17 and a modified peptide in which Ala(1227) was replaced by a charged Lys residue. Both peptides were readily solubilized in dodecylmaltoside (DM) or dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles, as membrane mimics. The interaction of these peptides with DM or DPC micelles was studied by steady-state and time-resolved Trp fluorescence spectroscopy, including experiments in which Trp was quenched by acrylamide or by two brominated analogs of DM. The secondary structure of these peptides was determined by circular dichroism. Overall, the results obtained indicated significant structuring ( approximately 50% alpha-helix) of TM17 in the presence of either DM or DPC micelles as compared to buffer. A main interfacial location of TM17 is proposed, based on significant accessibility of Trp(1246) to brominated alkyl chains of DM and/or acrylamide. The comparison of various fluorescence parameters including lambda(max), lifetime distributions and Trp rotational mobility with those determined for model fluorescent transmembrane helices in the same detergents is also consistent with the interfacial location of TM17. We therefore suggest that TM17 intrinsic properties may be insufficient for its transmembrane insertion as proposed by the MRP1 consensus topological model. This insertion may also be controlled by additional constraints such as interactions with other TM domains and its position in the protein sequence. The particular pattern of behavior of this predicted transmembrane peptide may be the hallmark of a fragment involved in substrate transport.     

Functional importance of three basic residues clustered at the cytosolic interface of transmembrane helix 15 in the multidrug and organic anion transporter MRP1 (ABCC1)

The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) mediates drug and organic anion efflux across the plasma membrane. The 17 transmembrane (TM) helices of MRP1 are linked by extracellular and cytoplasmic (CL) loops of various lengths and two cytoplasmic nucleotide binding domains. In this study, three basic residues clustered at the predicted TM15/CL7 interface were investigated for their role in MRP1 expression and activity. Thus, Arg1138, Lys1141, and Arg1142 were replaced with residues of the same or opposite charge, expressed in human embryonic kidney cells, and the properties of the mutant proteins were assessed. Neither Glu nor Lys substitutions of Arg1138 and Arg1142 affected MRP1 expression; however, all four mutants showed a decrease in organic anion transport with a relatively greater decrease in leukotriene C4 and glutathione transport. These mutations also modulated MRP1 ATPase activity as reflected by a decreased vanadate-induced trapping of 8-azido-[32P]ADP. Mutation of Lys1141 to either Glu or Arg reduced MRP1 expression, and routing to the plasma membrane was impaired. However, only the Glu-substituted Lys1141 mutant showed a decrease in organic anion transport, and this was associated with decreased substrate binding and vanadate-induced trapping of 8-azido-ADP. These studies identified a cluster of basic amino acids likely at the TM15/CL7 interface as a region important for both MRP1 expression and activity and demonstrated that each of the three residues plays a distinct role in the substrate specificity and catalytic activity of the transporter.     

Evidence for two interacting ligand binding sites in human multidrug resistance protein 2 (ATP binding cassette C2)

Multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) belongs to the ATP binding cassette family of transporters. Its substrates include organic anions and anticancer drugs. We have used transport assays with vesicles derived from Sf9 insect cells overproducing MRP2 to study the interactions of drugs, organic anions, and bile acids with three MRP2 substrates: estradiol-17-beta-d-glucuronide (E217betaG), methotrexate, and glutathione-S-dinitrophenol. Complex inhibition and stimulation patterns were obtained, different from those observed with the related transporters MRP1 and MRP3. In contrast to a previous report, we found that the rate of E217betaG transport by MRP2 increases sigmoidally with substrate concentration indicative of homotropic cooperativity. Half-maximal transport was obtained at 120 microm E217betaG, in contrast to values < 20 microm for MRP1 and 3. MRP2 stimulators, such as indomethacin and sulfanitran, strongly increased the affinity of MRP2 for E217betaG (half-maximal transport rates at 65 and 16 microm E217betaG, respectively) and shifted the sigmoidal dependence of transport rate on substrate concentration to a more hyperbolic one, without substantially affecting the maximal transport rate. Sulfanitran also stimulated MRP2 activity in cells, i.e. the transport of saquinavir through monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells. Some compounds that stimulate E217betaG transport, such as penicillin G or pantoprazole, are not detectably transported by MRP2, suggesting that they allosterically stimulate transport without being cotransported with E217betaG. We propose that MRP2 contains two similar but nonidentical ligand binding sites: one site from which substrate is transported and a second site that regulates the affinity of the transport site for the substrate.